Soligor Soligor 135mm f2.8

Overview

The Soligor 135mm f/2.8 is one of many telephoto lenses sold under the Soligor label, a brand that rebadged optics from numerous Japanese manufacturers rather than making lenses itself. The reviews note that Soligor 135mm lenses spanned everything from very vintage preset designs to auto-aperture fixed-mount versions, with many featuring swappable mounts (T-mount, T4, or TX). Because Soligor sourced from many makers, community enthusiasts developed a serial-number code to identify the actual manufacturer: for example, serials beginning 1xx/Hxx indicate Tokina, 2xx/3xx/4xx/7xx indicate Sun, 6xx indicates Komine, 9xx indicates Kino, and Txx indicates Tamron. One reviewer noted that an 'R' designator in the serial number means the lens was produced by Itoh Optical of Japan for Soligor. The specific M42 preset variant reviewed is described as physically large and heavy with a finish mixing black lacquer and raw metal, and even its caps are machined aluminum, shipped in a box rather than a case. No established nickname is documented in the reviews. Its modest cult following stems from its very affordable price (one buyer paid AUD 20, average prices cited around $11-50) combined with pleasing bokeh, making it an attractive budget choice for adapting to mirrorless systems.

Verdict: The Soligor 135mm f/2.8 is a budget vintage telephoto whose appeal rests almost entirely on its lovely bokeh and heavy, high-quality build rather than clinical sharpness. It's soft and low in contrast wide open, so it suits photographers who prize out-of-focus character over edge-to-edge crispness. Given its rock-bottom price and multiple manufacturer origins, it's a rewarding, low-risk pick for enthusiasts adapting to mirrorless who want a characterful portrait or telephoto lens on the cheap. Just verify exactly which variant you're getting, as specs vary considerably.

Optical Character

Community Insights

Sources (1)